Mr. Herbert Ray Carson (Major, USAF Retired), age 91, of Lake City, Florida passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at the North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, FL following an extended illness. He was born in Grove City, Ohio and a graduate of North High School, Columbus, OH Class of 1944. He was stationed at Custer Air Force Base, in Battle Creek, Michigan before retiring to Lake City, FL. in 1970. Prior to moving to Lake City, he spent 21 years in service to the United States between the US Navy and the US Air Force. He joined the US Navy when he came of age during the Great Depression and was in signalman school when World War II ended. He began his flying career as a Naval Aviation Cadet flying the Boeing Stearman biplane. After WWII, he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for six years before testing into the US Air Force Flight School. As a jet fighter pilot in the US Air Force, he flew the F-86 Sabre during the Korean War, the most advanced American fighter jet of its time. He later piloted the F-106 Delta Dart, a delta winged fighter interceptor, and flew over twice the speed of sound. Upon moving to Lake City he completed his Associate of Arts degree at Lake City Community College working with Myrtle Wall at Jimmy’s Buttermilk Chicken and eventually with her in real estate as an agent. He continued his real estate education rising to a broker and property appraiser, and a real estate instructor at LCCC. He eventually made a career change and became the manager/finance and insurance director for Rountree-Moore Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Toyota before retiring completely.

Herb was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was a golfer and a bowler. He loved to play cards with his family and friends. As the parent of two UF Alumni he was an avid Gator fan. He spent many summer weekends camping with his family at Ocean Pond. He enjoyed fishing and scalloping in Steinhatchee, FL. He and his wife Robbie travelled extensively enjoying cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska and Ireland. As well as travelling to New York, Hawaii, Spain and Bermuda with family and friends. He actively participated in the lives of his children attending their sporting events and encouraging them to participate in multiple extracurricular activities. His proudest accomplishment was being able send his children through college.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Robbie Cecil (nee Wilson) Carson whom he married on June 8th, 2002 stating he didn’t realize that love could be as good as it was between them; his parents, Ray Marion and Elsie Bear Carson and three sisters, Margie Jean Dachenbach, Marian West Siens, and Marvine (Kitty) Young and one brother, Roger Karl Carson. He is survived by his brother US Navy Capt. Harry (Marilyn) Carson of Newark, OH. He is survived by seven children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Daughters Kelly K. Carson of Lake City and Delray Beach, FL, and Cara L. (Michael) Abbate of Safety Harbor, FL; sons Kevin “Kit” Carson of Lake City, FL, Michael “Tim” (Jeannie) Carson of Fleming Island, FL, and Sean P. Carson of Bradenton, FL; two step-sons Steven C. (Jennifer) Smith of Gainesville, FL and Michael R. Smith of Green Cove Springs, FL. Grandchildren: Michael T. (Cristy) Carson II and Monica (Jeff) Reifeiss; Caitlin (Josh) Aichele and Kyle Wollenberg; Talia and Cade Abbate; and, Hunter, Blayke, and Hayden Smith. Great grandchildren: Seth, Sion, and Scarlett Carson; Matthew and Emily Reifeiss; and, Raelynn Wollenberg. And numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with full military honors is planned for 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, SR 47, Lake City, FL. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Please join the family in remembering their father and sharing your memories. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation be made to either the Smile Train at 800-932-9541 or online my.smiletrain.org/fundraiser/caralabbatememorialgifts or the American Lung Association online at lung.org

Internment will follow at a later date in Ohio where he will take his final resting place with his parents, a sister and niece.